Pennsylvania is filled with amazing state parks to explore. In fact, there are over 300,000 acres of land managed by Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Nature Resources that offer everything from horseback riding and fishing to biking and overnight camping. By far, the most popular activity is hiking. Some hikes consist of short loops that are less than a mile while other trails are extensive and challenging.

If your family is looking for a PA state park to hike, check out our top 10 list below. Whether you want to see beautiful scenery, search for wildlife, or get some exercise, the list does not disappoint. Included in the descriptions are additional activities available at each park.

Looking for even more outdoor activities? Browse through our Parks & Playgrounds Guide, nearby camping, and tubing and water rafting options for additional fun things to do with Philly kids. 

Toddlers and young children are notorious for getting into everything, especially with their hands. They grab, lunge, and just generally stick their hands into whatever you don't want them to, right? That's one of the reasons I love creating sensory bins for toddlers. It's a nice way to redirect all that crazy toddler energy into something totally fun and (mostly) contained.

Besides, it's a great way for little kids to learn, by actually touching and experiencing something. I've gathered up 10 sensory bin ideas that parents can easily create at home using basic household items. Some employ water, others use soft things or even items that make a sound. Once you discover which sensory bin most appeals to your kid, you might also just have discovered some new free time and a little independent playtime for your youngster.

For more tips on dealing with sensory issues, see our posts on 99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages, DIY Sensory Activities for Babies, and Sensory Savvy Snacks for Kids.

Back to School doesn't sound nearly so bad when the way you get there is by careening through a wall at Platform 9 3/4, pushing a trunk and an owl.

If your kids are feeling wary about starting the new school year remotely (or in person wearing masks), it might help to join Harry Potter and the gang on their first ever virtual back-to-school trip to Hogwarts. After all, who knows better than Harry, Ron, and Hermione what it feels like to be a little scared of danger and the unknown in a new school year?

Oobleck is ooey, gooey, science fun. Even the youngest scientists can get hands-on STEM experience with this non-Newtonian substance.

It's a bit similar to slime, but Dr. Seuss fans will know that Oobleck gets its name from the book, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, which dates prior to the slime craze. It only takes two ingredients to make Oobleck, so roll up your sleeves and let's get started on creating this state-changing substance. 

Need more at-home science experiments and activities? Check out Mommy Poppins Guide to STEM Activities, from solar ovens to DIY rock candy to preschooler-friendly science.

Outdoor classes are coming to NYC, Mayor Bill De Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced at a press briefing Monday, August 24, as they invited principals to develop plans to utilize outdoor spaces on school property and those nearby as outdoor classrooms and offered to help facilitate street closures or the use of nearby parks to make outdoor space available to school communities who wanted to utilize it.

The policy announcement is the latest development in a busy week of school reopening news.

New York City's public schools are scheduled to open in less than three weeks, but each day seems to bring more questions than answers about the reopening plans as key stakeholders question the reopening timeline.

From Learning Bridges to a Back-to-School Pledges, and more pushback from educators and public officials, here's the latest news from the nation's largest school district.

Orlando and Central Florida have an abundance of waterways for kids to explore, and boating on these waterways is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors. There are many lakes in the Orlando area connected by canals that form lake chains, making for a beautiful day on the water and a great chance to view native Florida wildlife. Whether you want to take the kids fishing, water skiing, or anchor the boat and swim, we've got you covered with some of the best boating areas around Orlando. 

Encompassing more than 300,000 acres from Boston to the Berkshires, Massachusetts State Parks system is a true treasure for families. Whether you want to camp under the stars, conquer a mountain, splash in a crystal-clear lake, or stretch out on the sand, there's a protected patch of nature just waiting for you and your kids to explore. We particularly love these 10 Massachusetts State Parks and Forests for their accessible hiking trails, family-minded policies, and friendly local vibes.

To soak up more natural beauty in the Bay State, see our favorite Boston-area hiking trails, fishing holes, and swimming lakes and ponds.